Monday Music News

The Flaming Lips have plans to release a new EP based on the themes from the novel Ender’s Game. Originally, the group had signed on to write a song for the film adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s well-known book, but decided to extend the scope of the project to an album. The name of the record? Peace Sword. Card has received criticism for his negative stance on same-sex marriage, and though The Flaming Lips disagree with his position, they are going ahead with the album, slated to be released November 29th. [Stereogum]. Watch The Flaming Lips “Do You Realize” video here:

In other Flaming Lips news, the band will be collaborating with Tame Impala on a new EP, on which the bands will cover each other. The vinyl EP will be sold at shows they’re playing together in October and November [The Future Heart]. Watch Tame Impala “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” video:

Chvrches’ singer, Lauren Mayberry, wrote an open editorial for The Guardian responding to terrible comments and misogynist remarks she and the band have received. She writes, “What I do not accept… is that it is all right for people to make comments ranging from ‘a bit sexist but generally harmless’ to openly sexually aggressive. That it is something that ‘just happens’.” She says she and the band receive numerous comments daily. See their video for “Gun” here:

Paul McCartney, responding to a 50-year old fan message that just reached him, said, “Better late than never.” The Beatle wrote a response letter to two women in England, Barbara Bezant and Lyn Phillips, saying, “Hi Linda and Barbara, thanks very much for you lovely tape. It finally got through.” Bezant and Phillips recorded a reel-to-reel tape in 1963 and sent it to where the Beatles were playing a show, but the message never reached the band. Decades later it was purchased by music historian David McDermott at a flea market and the tape was eventually played for Sir Paul. “Keep enjoying the music,” said McCartney in his letter to the ladies, “love Paul” [BBC]. See the legend’s video for “New” here:

On November 5th, David Bowie will be releasing an extended version of his latest album, The Next Day, which will feature three discs and include five unheard tracks, two new remixes and a DVD with music videos [Pitchfork]. See his video for “The Next Day” here:

Justin Vernon of Bon Iver’s other project, Volcano Choir, has announced plans for their first UK tour. Following the release of their second record, Repave, the band will play three shows in the United Kingdom and Ireland before a larger-scale European tour [NME]. See the group’s video for “Byegone” here:

Pussy Riot’s Nadezhda Tolokonnikova was hospitalized after a week on a hunger strike to protest inhumane working conditions in her Russian prison, her husband Pyotr has told Billboard. Amnesty International has since called on Russian authorities to investigate the conditions within Nadezhda’s prison [NME]. See Pussy Riot’s “Punk Prayer” here: